2002 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 63 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. (264 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Am | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1413 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 62 L |
